Switching from a traditional fifth-wheel setup to a gooseneck hitch can free up truck bed space and provide a different towing feel. The following five products offer adjustable, cushioned, or snapLatch-style conversions designed to convert a fifth wheel to a gooseneck setup, with varying towing capacities and compatibility. This guide highlights practical options for American trailers and trucks, with primary emphasis on ease of installation, safety features, and height adjustability to match common bed heights and pin boxes.
| Product | Brand | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter | PSAUTO | 12″ to 16″ adjustable height; cushioned alignment |
| Shocker 5th Wheel to Gooseneck & Demco Coupler Conversion Kit | Shocker Hitch | Auto latching Demco coupler; up to 24,000 lbs GTW |
| C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Cushioned 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter | GELUOXI | 20,000 lb capacity; cushioned 360°; safety pins included |
| GEN-Y Hitch Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck SnapLatch Coupler | GEN-Y Hitch | Space-saving; up to 30K lbs capacity; smooth ride with torsion-flex |
| Lamerto C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Cushioned 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter | Lamerto | Height adjustable; 20,000 lb capacity; includes safety chain |
Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Cushioned Trailer Hitch Adapter
The PSAUTO cushioned gooseneck adapter converts a 5th wheel into a gooseneck quickly. Its 12″ to 16″ adjustable height range accommodates varied bed heights, aiding alignment with the gooseneck ball and Demco-style couplers. The cushioned design aims to reduce peak shocks during coupling and towing, supporting heavier loads while maintaining stability. Installation typically involves replacing or adapting the kingpin interface to the gooseneck ball platform. Height adjustment is user-friendly and tool-assisted to ensure precise positioning for safe towing.
Shocker 5th Wheel to Gooseneck & Demco Coupler Conversion Kit
This conversion kit from Shocker Hitch replaces the factory 5th wheel box with a gooseneck pin box and integrates with a Demco coupler for reliable auto-latching operation. It supports up to 24,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 6,000 lbs tongue weight, offering a robust solution for heavy trailers. The kit is designed for quick installation, enabling users to switch towing configurations without extensive vehicle or trailer modifications. An auto-latching Demco coupler enhances safety by simplifying hookup and reducing manual latching effort.
C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Cushioned 5th Wheel Gooseneck Adapter
The GELUOXI C5G1216 adapter converts a kingpin trailer to a gooseneck hitch with adjustable height from 12″ to 16″. It features 20,000 lb towing capacity and 4,000 lbs tongue weight, along with a cushioned 360-degree connection and locking pins for added security. Noted for compatibility with kingpin-style boxes and gooseneck balls, this model emphasizes safe, stable towing with a focus on preventing unwanted movement during road irregularities. Safety mechanisms include locking pins to secure the connection between truck and trailer.
GEN-Y Hitch Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck SnapLatch Coupler
The GEN-Y SnapLatch system eliminates the bulky fifth wheel presence by enabling a gooseneck hitch setup. It offers a ride comfort boost through torsion-flex shock absorption that helps protect cargo from bumps. With a towing capacity around the 30,000 lbs range and a simple snapLatch coupling that quickly attaches to a 2 5/16″ gooseneck ball, this option prioritizes ease of use and bed space optimization. Detaching the trailer is accomplished by pulling a latch cable, simplifying switching between tow configurations.
Lamerto C5G1216 12″-16″ Adjustable Cushioned Gooseneck Adapter
The Lamerto C5G1216 adapter converts a fifth wheel kingpin to a gooseneck connection with a 12″ to 16″ adjustable height. It emphasizes cushioned operation with safety chaining included, supporting up to 20,000 lbs gross towing capacity. The product description highlights compatibility with trailers and RVs that use kingpin boxes, along with a sliding collar and set screws for height adjustment. Safety features are emphasized, including a safety chain for added security during transportation.
C5G1216 Adjustable Cushioned 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapter With Safety Chain
This GELUOXI variant mirrors the 12″ to 16″ height adjustability and 20,000 lb towing capacity, with an emphasis on cushioned isolation and an included safety chain. The description reiterates that it converts a trailer’s kingpin to a gooseneck hitch and notes the sliding collar with set screws for height adjustment. The safety chain addition provides extra security, particularly valuable in long-distance or irregular-road towing scenarios.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Gooseneck Conversions
- Height adjustability: Confirm the available range (commonly 12″–16″) to match truck bed height and gooseneck ball position, ensuring proper clearance and smooth coupling.
- Weight capacity: Compare gross trailer weight (GTW) and tongue weight (TW) ratings. Choose options that comfortably exceed your typical load to maintain safety margins.
- cushioning and ride quality: Cushioned adapters reduce shock transfer and protect tow components; evaluate the degree of suspension or dampening features offered by each model.
- Installation effort: Some kits require full pin-box replacement, while others offer straightforward adapter interfaces. Consider whether you want garage-friendly DIY installation or professional help.
- Compatibility: Verify kingpin ball size (2 5/16″ is common) and the specific pin box or camper box compatibility. Some kits are designed for Demco couplers or auto-latching systems.
- Safety features: Look for locking pins, safety chains, and secure latching mechanisms. Automatic latching systems reduce manual steps but require correct alignment.
- Bed space impact: Some conversions reduce bed obstruction, freeing up space when not towing. Space-saving options can be advantageous for daily driver use.
- Durability and materials: Steel construction with protective coatings improves longevity under heavy towing and all-weather exposure.